CURATED THEMES AND TOURS

Jewish New York

overview

Though here earlier, Jewish immigrants arrived in New York City in significant numbers from Germany in the mid-19th century and then in particularly large waves from Eastern Europe beginning in 1881.

LGBT Jewish New Yorkers featured in this curated theme mostly descended from working-class immigrant families and made a profound impact on the American arts scene, LGBT activism, and religious life. These include composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein, poet Allen Ginsberg, archivist and activist Joan Nestle, PFLAG co-founder Jeanne Manford, those associated with Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, and more.

On the Map

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Featured Historic Sites (12)

“Eve Addams’” was a popular after-theater club run by Polish-Jewish lesbian émigré Chawe Zlocsewer (with other variations, such as Eva Kotchever or Eva Czlotcheber) from 1925 to 1926. It closed... Learn More

Renowned gay rights pioneer Franklin ("Frank") E. Kameny grew up in this semi-detached brick house from 1925 to 1948. Kameny, who frequently visited his parents' house until 1979, became a... Learn More

Considered one of the first, great pioneers of LGBT rights in the early 20th century, German-Jewish physician and sexologist, Magnus Hirschfeld, arrived in New York in November 1930 to begin... Learn More

Leonard Bernstein, perhaps the most influential figure in American classical music during the post-war era, lived in the Osborne Apartments from 1951 until c. 1960. During this time he wrote... Learn More

Between May 1959 and early 1964, fashion designer Arnold Scaasi used this building, which he owned, as his design studio, showrooms, and residence. Scaasi would later gain worldwide attention when... Learn More

A founding figure of the Beat Generation, one of the 20th century’s most important literary movements, the openly gay poet Allen Ginsberg lived in this tenement building with his "life-long... Learn More